The Patriots are getting the ball rolling on the 2026 season with the full squad reporting for training camp on Friday, ahead of New England's first training camp practice on Saturday.
To kick things off, head coach Mike Vrabel and select veterans spoke to reporters inside the New Balance Athletics Center on Friday morning. Along with addressing several hot-button topics, Vrabel shared his initial message with his team on what's the NFL equivalent of the first day of school.
"We have to be able to build each and every year. We have to start over and figure out the things we do well. That starts over each and every training camp," Vrabel said. "To try to make it as simple as I can, you talk about earning a role, building a team, the camaraderie, you spend a lot of time together, prepare for the journey. Then, be able to prepare to win."
Another talking point from a player perspective is going from being an underdog to being hunted following a trip to the Super Bowl last season. According to returning captain Marcus Jones, New England is preparing for having a target on their back as the reigning AFC champs.
"Knowing where you are and what type of team you are is very important. We're the team that's being hunted and you have to wear that chip on your shoulder," Jones said.
With the Patriots gearing up for their first camp practice on Saturday, here are the headlines from Vrabel's first press conference of training camp.
Gabe Jacas Latest: Pats Second-Round Pick Hasn't Reported to Training Camp
The first order of business addressed by Vrabel was an ongoing contract negotiation with second-round draft pick Gabe Jacas. Jacas is one of two rookie draft picks who are unsigned in the NFL, with Rams first-rounder Ty Simpson being the other. The 55th overall pick hasn't reported to training camp as the two sides continue to hammer out Jacas's rookie contract.
"We're continuing to work through the contract," Vrabel said on Friday morning. "Those have been positive [negotiations] between the club and his representatives. Hopefully, we'll get him in here sooner rather than later. I'm not going to put a timeline on it or a timeframe, but I've spoken to Gabe personally. Excited to get him in when he's under contract."
The Pats head coach added he and New England's training staff have been in contact with Jacas, who had surgery to "take care of some things," this offseason. Since he's not under contract or in the building, Jacas's current health status is unknown following offseason surgery. With any rookie, it's difficult to make up for lost practice time in training camp and edge rusher is a position group where New England is a bit thin. The hope was that Jacas would be an immediate contributor, but now his health, contract, and readiness to participate fully in practice once he is signed are question marks.
"When he is here, we'll evaluate him physically and make sure he's ready to practice football," Vrabel said. "We admittedly will be somewhat cautious just because it's a unique situation."
Although rookie contracts are slotted by the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, details such as guaranteed money and payment schedules can still be negotiated. It's unclear what the holdup is on Jacas's deal, but he's the only Patriot who hasn't reported to training camp this week.
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez Reports to Camp, Extension Talks Ongoing
Another major storyline heading into training camp is ongoing contract talks with star CB Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez is eligible for an extension on his rookie contract entering his fourth NFL season, with the Patriots picking up his fifth-year option earlier this offseason.
Gonzalez reported to training camp with his veteran teammates on Friday while the team is in active contract talks with his agents. In the spring, Gonzalez was present for mandatory minicamp but didn't attend voluntary OTAs. During minicamp, the star corner was a light participant, sitting out full team drills while only participating in positional drills and walkthroughs.
"He is here and I would expect him to participate," Vrabel said of Gonzalez. "Those contract negotiations are ongoing between the club and his agents. I'm excited about having Christian back here with us and the impact he can make on our football team. Really enjoy the person, enjoy the player and that's what I'm looking forward to."
The Patriots head coach also downplayed the impact of Seahawks star CB Devon Witherspoon's contract negotiation in Seattle on Gonzalez's situation. Gonzalez and Witherspoon were both selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, while the two star corners also share an agent. Reports from NFL Network indicate that Gonzalez could be waiting on Witherspoon to sign his extension, which would reset the cornerback market.
"I don't think they have anything to do with one another," Vrabel said of Gonzalez and Witherspoon. "We're not negotiating with the Seahawks. We're negotiating with Christian's representatives."
Although it's a good sign that Gonzalez reported to camp, the bigger question is how much will he participate in practice? Gonzalez's spring could be categorized as a "hold in," where a player is present but doesn't practice fully. With the Patriots holding their first camp practice on Saturday, we'll be monitoring Gonzalez's participation closely.
DeAndre Hopkins Exploring Coaching or Personnel Role with the Patriots
The Patriots will have an interesting guest at training camp, as former Titans and Texans wideout DeAndre Hopkins is exploring a coaching or personnel role. Hopkins most recently played for the Ravens last season and hasn't officially retired from playing in the NFL, but seems to be open to possibly transitioning into a coaching role.
"DeAndre Hopkins is here with us just to kind of check things out as far as what he wants to do as far as coaching. You'll see him on the field," Vrabel said. "He asked if he could hang out for a couple of days and be around the coaches and around the personnel department. I called the league to make sure that was going to be okay, and then invited I invited him back."
The 34-year-old was in Houston when Vrabel was on Bill O'Brien's coaching staff and played for Vrabel when he was head coach of the Titans in 2023, so there's a history there. The five-time Pro Bowler is shadowing New England's offensive coaching staff and personnel department, with Vrabel indicating that Hopkins isn't here to try out to play for the Patriots. Coach Hopkins is expected to be at Saturday's practice.
Patriots Adding Special Teams Ace Brenden Schooler to the NFI List
Along with confirming that Jacas was the lone player who hasn't reported to camp, Vrabel said the Patriots will be placing special teams ace Brenden Schooler on the active/non-football injury list (NFI). Schooler being placed on the NFI list indicates the injury occurred away from the Patriots facility. He joins RB Terrell Jennings (NFI), OLB Harold Landry III (PUP), and TE C.J. Dippre (PUP) on active NFI or PUP. All four players can be removed from the lists at any time and will continue to count toward the 90-man roster limit.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
